U.S. Rep. Pete
Visclosky, D-1st--Vice-chair of the Congressional Steel Caucus--testified
spoke at today’s caucus hearing on “America Rebounding: Steel in 2017 and
Beyond.”

Excerpts from his
speech:

“I believe that
steelworkers in Northwest Indiana and across our country make the best steel
in the world, and we must do all that we can to ensure that they can
continue to do so.

As we approach 2017
and beyond, I remain concerned about the staggering amount of excess steel
capacity in the world and the predatory trade actions of foreign countries.
This past year I testified before the International Trade Commission on
eight separate occasions in support of American steelworkers and their
families. These cases pertained to the illegal actions of 18 separate
countries, including China. These countries operate in economies that
involve state-owned enterprises that utilize illegal subsidies and
preferential policies. I believe that these practices violate international
trading standards, and as we move forward I will continue to testify before
the ITC and ensure that our trade laws are fully enforced. . . .

“I know that steel
is an essential component of our national defense. It is necessary to build
our ships, submarines, military vehicles, vests, and countless other types
of equipment. Twenty-two tons of steel are used in every U.S. Abrams tank.
Fifty-thousand tons of steel are used in every U.S. aircraft carrier, and
half of that steel is produced in Northwest Indiana.

“I also adamantly
believe that we should look for every opportunity to implement strong Buy
America requirements that ensure the use of American made iron and steel. It
is common sense to me that hard-earned American taxpayer dollars should be
used to buy American products.

“As we move forward
this year with the appropriations process, trade cases, and potential
infrastructure legislation, I will continue to do all that I can to support
our hard-working steelworkers and steel companies across our country.”